3D Imaging Synchronization via Direct Electrical Reference Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3-D imaging systems face challenges in achieving accurate distance measurement due to unknown variations and drifts in electric propagation times and delays, which affect synchronization and measurement accuracy, especially in high-speed light-based methods like TOF and phase-shift methods.
Innovation Solution
A 3-D imaging system that generates an electrical reference signal directly from the emitted light in the illumination unit, providing synchronization information to correct distance calculations, eliminating the need for optical conductors and mechanical modifications, and using a shunt resistor, photodiode, or independent sensor cell to derive phase information for improved synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time of flight or phase-shift methods are used for distance measurement, then measurement speed and spatial resolution are improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to unknown variations and drifts in electric propagation times and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the modulation signal used to modulate the light source is also fed to a reference channel. This reference channel provides a stable reference signal that is correlated with the modulated light signal, enabling accurate compensation for electric propagation time variations and drifts. The feedback approach ensures that the reference signal automatically tracks any changes in the modulation signal, maintaining synchronization accuracy without requiring mechanical adjustments or optical conductors.
2Measurement precision
If optical conductors or mechanical modifications are used to provide synchronization reference, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical synchronization methods (such as optical conductors or mechanical modifications to the imaging sensor) with an electrical signal-based synchronization approach. The modulation signal itself is used as the reference, eliminating the need for physical optical paths or mechanical adjustments. This substitution simplifies the system structure while maintaining or improving synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The modulation signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it modulates the light source for distance measurement and provides the reference signal for synchronization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate synchronization hardware, reducing device complexity and manufacturing difficulty while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces measurement errors by providing accurate synchronization and distance information, enhancing the spatial resolution of 3-D imaging systems without requiring mechanical changes to the imaging sensor or optical shielding.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging sensor for imaging the target scene by detecting scattered/reflected light
Implementation Method 2
the means for generating an electrical reference signal comprises an optoelectronic converter arranged in the illumination unit
Data Source
AI summary
A 3-D imaging system is described. The 3-D imaging system comprises an illumination unit for emitting light onto a target scene, an imaging sensor for imaging the target scene by detecting scattered/reflected light, an evaluation unit for determining distance information related to the target scene on the basis of light propagation time and synchronization means for providing synchronization information to the evaluation unit. The synchronization means comprises means for generating an electrical reference signal in the illumination unit, the reference signal being directly derived from the emitted light.